Yahoo News How Star Wars: The Last Jedi sets up Episode IX
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE LAST JEDI BELOW!
We've been understandably in the dark about what will happen in Star Wars: Episode IX, thanks to the thick veil of secrecy draped over The Last Jedi.
But Episode VIII is finally out, and it gives us a good idea of where things will stand when JJ Abrams kicks off the final instalment in the new trilogy.
(Warning: This article is made of spoilers.)
1. Kylo Ren is the big bad
After the surprise death of Snoke, that conflicted little scamp Kylo Ren is now supreme leader of the First Order, and chances are he'll be looking to stamp out the Resistance, Rey and any last shred of Luke Skywalker and everything that connects him to his past.
The big question is whether he has any chance left for redemption.
2. Rey is the 'Next Jedi'
Before his death/disappearance, Luke declares Rey to be his successor. Much like Luke himself at the beginning of Return of the Jedi, Rey will be Episode IX's sole Jedi representative. The future of the Force is in her hands.
3. Poe Dameron is the Resistance's heir apparent
Leia may be alive at the end of The Last Jedi, but thanks to Carrie Fisher's death she won't be in the film to lead the Resistance. Couple that with Vice Admiral Holdo's death and all signs point to Poe Dameron overcoming the brashness of youth and stepping up to take charge. But has he learned enough to keep the Resistance alive and lead it to victory?
4. Finn❤️ Rose 4 eva
We're so glad the faint spectre of Rey and Finn getting together seems to have been fully exorcised by this film. Rose Tico was seriously wounded, but she still had enough energy to steal a kiss, and Finn didn't seem to object too strenuously.
But was it just us who caught a flirty vibe between Rey and Poe? No, Disney – just no.
5. Luke is gone... or is he?
So Luke has pulled the old 'I am one with the Force', disappearing Jedi master trick. But we're almost convinced that this isn't the last we'll be seeing of him.
With Carrie Fisher no longer with us and Harrison Ford firmly out of the picture, he's the last of the old Star Wars leads, and we can't imagine Disney letting go of him that easily. And Rey still needs a ghostly blue mentor to teach her the ways of the Force.
6. The Resistance is in hot water
The Resistance takes unbelievably heavy losses in its battle with the First Order in the film. As it stands, there are so few of them left that they are able to fit aboard the Millennium Falcon with no trouble. Eek!
Episode IX is going to have to show them rallying the galaxy and taking the fight back to the First Order. Unless Abrams decides to kill all our heroes and have the bad guys win, that is...
Star Wars: Episode IX will be released on December 20, 2019. The Last Jedi is out now.
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